The French Law Degree

In France, a law degree is earned by attending law school. Law school is a school within a larger university, not a separate entity. Being able to practice law in France requires a Bachelor in Law (LLB) and then at least a Master's degree in the field (LLM), although a doctoral level program (PhD in Law) is also available.

Earning a Law Degree in France

Because French law schools are within public universities, admission at the undergraduate level is not as selective as in private schools. However, admission does not mean success, and many students do not succeed in the rigorous programs.

The law school is divided into three programs. First, students attend a three-year Bachelor of law program (called “Licence de Droit”). This is followed by a two-year Master of Law program (LLM), and finally a three-year or more Ph.D. in law. Also, in order to enter the bar, students must also enter the bar school. Acceptance into bar school requires at least the first year of Master of law training.

Many students opt to attend school in France because of its low cost. Student restaurants and subsidized residence halls add to the affordability of attending school in France. The French academic year begins in September and runs through May or June, broken into a fall and spring semester.

France is appealing to law students also because of its high level of academics. Those who can speak French well enough to attend school can get an affordable education from some of the top schools and educators in the world of international education. Those who can succeed in the rigorous French law school programs are able to practice law throughout Europe with the foundation of the strong civil law training that comes from the French educational system.

In addition, many French law programs also study common law, so their graduates are well equipped to apply to the bar or gain professional entrance into other countries where civil law is not the main type of law practiced. This combination makes France an appealing country to consider when choosing a school in which to study law.

About France

France is one of the key players in the European political and economic game. Serving as the border between the Iberian Peninsula and the mainland of Europe, France has long been a cultural focal point in Europe. Paris, in particularly, is the height of the fashion industry, and many of the world's leading fashion influences come from Parisian fashion houses. The country has also produced some of the world's most celebrated writers, including names like Rousseau and Voltaire. With its connections to Germany, France served as one of the leaders in uniting Europe and starting the European Union.

In addition to fashion and writing, France is known for its culinary tradition. Over 250 different varieties of cheese come from within its borders, and wine lovers know they can turn to France for delicate, delicious wines.

Whether you are considering France for its culinary heritage, artistic flair or simply because you want to experience the culture of a new location, you will find a variety of factors to draw you towards studying in this leading European country. Because France appeals to so many foreign students, life at the university is rich in cultural diversity. Culturally enlightening experiences are easy to find in France. Museums, particularly those in Paris, allow EU residents who are students under the age of 26 free entrance. Student cardholders will also find discounts on transportation, food and entertainment.

Its schools perform well in international rankings of education, which makes it appealing for students looking to travel internationally for their education.

The Legal System in France

Like much of Europe, France practices primarily civil law, although criminal law is also part of its judicial system. Public law also includes both administrative and constitutional law. As a whole, the French legal system is modeled after the civil law system.